as in headache
something that is a source of irritation
even what seems to be a dream job usually turns out to have its fair share of rubs
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to wear
to damage or diminish by continued friction
the brake pads were rubbed away as a result of years of use
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to sand
to make smooth by friction
the furniture restorer rubbed the board perfectly smooth with sandpaper
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to polish
to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure
the butler rubbed the silver tea set until it gleamed
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of rub
Chris Morris, Fortune, 3 July 2025
Earlier in the day, Jane revealed that Combs enjoyed unwinding with foot rubs and episodes of his favorite show, Dateline.
—Janelle Griffith, People.com, 10 June 2025
Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 July 2025
Davidtz, who grew up in South Africa, is incredible in the pivotal role of Bobo’s hard-drinking and mentally unraveling mom Nicola, whose psyche gets rubbed raw by tragedy and does not see herself as a racist.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rub
Noun
The prep was a bit basic (trim excess fat and apply dry rub), forgoing brisket basics like rubbing the meat with mustard as a binder for the seasoning, but still forgivable.
—Chris Morris, Fortune, 3 July 2025
Earlier in the day, Jane revealed that Combs enjoyed unwinding with foot rubs and episodes of his favorite show, Dateline.
—Janelle Griffith, People.com, 10 June 2025
Verb
Catholics, Protestants, and Jewish people all rubbed elbows and with those who held more esoteric beliefs.
—Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 July 2025
Davidtz, who grew up in South Africa, is incredible in the pivotal role of Bobo’s hard-drinking and mentally unraveling mom Nicola, whose psyche gets rubbed raw by tragedy and does not see herself as a racist.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rub
Noun
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In the early stages, people may experience fatigue, fever, headaches, muscle aches, and a distinctive bull’s-eye rash.—
Tiffany Acosta,
AZCentral.com,
3 Aug. 2025
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Economic Worries Add To Pressure Economic concerns are also causing a headache for the Trump administration, with multiple recent polls showing a downward trend in the president's approval rating on his handling of the economy and inflation.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Aug. 2025
Verb
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For her first walk down the aisle, Mel B wore a custom ivory gown designed by Josephine Scott.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
People.com,
3 Aug. 2025
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But their sticky melodies and hooks always wore the touch of pop, too.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
3 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Before cars are painted, workers still run gloved hands over them and sand smooth any tiny imperfections.—
Keith Bradsher,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2025
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Its secure seal acts like a vault around your phone to keep water and sand out and scratches off your screen.—
Laura Lu,
Parents,
19 May 2025
Verb
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Many Point Loma sailors are spending the short offseason competing with club teams to polish their skills.—
Noah Perkins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Aug. 2025
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Unlike ultra-wide, frumpy, or super skinny styles, Lakshmi’s jeans are comfortable enough for daytime explorations yet polished enough to wear to dinner and cocktails.—
Izzy Baskette,
People.com,
31 July 2025
Noun
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Presidents of both parties complained about judges blocking policies nationwide Nationwide injunctions have been a thorn in the side of presidential administrations of both parties.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
22 July 2025
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Those critics may or may not prove to be a thorn in O’Brien’s side.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
10 July 2025
Verb
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Inflation is an inevitable economic reality that erodes your purchasing power over time.—
Prasanna Kumar,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
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But the context in which the show is premiering makes this a surreal project, where legal rights and principles we were once told were sacrosanct are being eroded.—
Nina Metz,
Chicago Tribune,
23 July 2025
Verb
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The fact that everybody was there and everyone was grinding, there was that little extra motivation to really get this thing going.—
Vic Tafur,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
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This precise semiautomatic machine can grind your beans, push out balanced shots, and froth your milk.—
Scott Gilbertson,
Wired News,
11 July 2025
Verb
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Her long tresses were flat-ironed and smoothed down, brushing over the front of her shoulders.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
21 July 2025
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The paths are lined with larger stones, smoothed by the desert wind.—
Jihan Forbes,
Allure,
21 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rub. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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